The Annual NIMFest Concert Series, which takes place at the Gazebo on Wellington Avenue in King Park, will begin on Sunday, July 7. NIMFest announced the new schedule as well as its new leadership in a Facebook Post on June 3; “Hello music lovers! My name is Rand Bradbury Jr., I’m the president of NEMO […]
Ryan Belmore
Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).
He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.
Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.
In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.
In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.
Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.
Posted inCity & Government
Lineup for Middletown’s ‘Music in Paradise’ and ‘Second Beach Music Series’ announced
On Wednesday, June 5, the Town of Middletown announced the 2024 lineup for their “Music In Paraide” and “Second Beach Music Series”. Music in Paradise 2024Monday nights in July at Paradise Park Enjoy a peaceful night of music under the backdrop of the historic Boyd’s Windmill in Middletown’s Paradise Valley Park! Food trucks available and […]
Posted inNews
Legislation would allow smaller apartment buildings under residential codes
The Rhode Island House of Representatives has unanimously approved legislation that would allow for the construction of apartment buildings with three or four units. The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. June S. Speakman, aims to address the “missing middle” of Rhode Island’s housing market by making three- and four-unit dwellings subject to residential building […]
Posted inCity & Government
City of Newport’s Fourth of July Fireworks display returns on July 4
The City of Newport announced on Facebook on Tuesday, June 4, that its annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display will occur on Thursday, July 4, at 9:15 pm. The tradition returns! We’re thrilled to be able to announce the return of the City’s Fourth of July Fireworks display over Newport Harbor! The annual tradition is […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island takes Climate Change into account for economic planning
The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved legislation that will now require the state to consider climate change when making long-term economic development plans. The new law will ensure that the Rhode Island Commerce and the Division of Planning take climate change data into consideration when creating the state’s economic development vision and policy. The […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island lawmakers move to boost ABLE Account awareness in schools
The General Assembly has approved a bill that would require schools to inform parents about Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts when students meet with their IEP advisors. The bill (2024-H 7612, 2024-S 2741) is sponsored by Rep. Terri Cortvriend and Sen. Melissa Murray. It would mandate school districts provide parents with information about […]
Posted inBusiness
Congressman Amo highlights Rhode Island jobs and Blue Economy Leadership in NOAA Budget Hearing
On Tuesday, June 5, Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) spoke about the recent groundbreaking for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Operations Center-Atlantic at Naval Station Newport, a critical initiative to solidify Rhode Island’s leadership in the blue economy, at a House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Environment budget hearing titled “An Overview of the National Oceanic and […]
Posted inCity & Government
Senate approves Euer bill to notify drivers of unpaid tolls
The Rhode Island Senate voted on Tuesday, June 4 to approve Senate Judiciary Chairwoman Dawn Euer’s bill to notify drivers of unpaid tolls before they risk losing their license and to extend the deadlines to repay them. “Drivers with unpaid tolls from crossing the bridge in and out of Newport risk temporarily losing their license […]
Posted inCity & Government
Rhode Island bans higher car insurance rates for widows
The Rhode Island General Assembly has passed a new law that will prevent car insurers from charging higher rates to policyholders who have been widowed. The law was approved by a wide margin in both the House and Senate and signed into law by Governor Daniel McKee on May 31. The law prohibits auto insurers […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Classical Music Festival will present the world premiere of Clarice Assad’s Chronicles of Ghosts: “Whispers from the Pirate Queen”
Celebrating its 55th Anniversary, the 2024 Newport Classical Music Festival (July 4-21) today announced that it will present the world premiere of GRAMMY®-nominated Brazilian-American powerhouse composer Clarice Assad’s “Whispers from the Pirate Queen” performed by multi-GRAMMY®-nominated PUBLIQuartet and GRAMMY®-winning mezzo-soprano Renée Rapier on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm at The Breakers. The concert also features PUBLIQuartet’s What is American, the intrepid ensemble’s improvisation on Antonin Dvořák’s String […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Cortvriend will run for a fourth term in R.I. House District 72, which represents Middletown and Portsmouth
Rhode Island House Representative Terri-Denise Cortvriend announced that she will run for a fourth term in House District 72, which serves Middletown and Portsmouth. Rep. Cortvriend’s announcement follows; HOUSE REP. CORTVRIEND TO RUN FOR FOURTH TERMPORTSMOUTH, RI – Rhode Island House Representative Terri-Denise Cortvriend announced that she will run for a fourth term representing House […]
Posted inNews
Steph Smyth announces run for Newport City Council
Today, Steph Smyth announced her candidacy for Newport City Council. Smyth should be a familiar name to many Newport residents as she ran for office in 2022, missing a seat on Newport City Council by just 113 votes. Smyth’s full announcement follows; Lifelong Resident, Active Community Member Steph Smyth Announces Run For Newport City Council […]
Posted inNews
New non-stop bus service between Boston and Newport begins June 7
Discover Newport announced a new nonstop bus service between Boston and Newport, in partnership with DATTCO, on Tuesday, June 4. The bus line will run between Boston South Station Terminal and the Newport Transportation Center, Friday – Monday, twice a day, June 7 through September 9, 2024. The bus will hold 52 passengers and cost $30 […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Hikes Annual Fee for Waste Collection
The Middletown Town Council recently approved an annual fee hike for the town’s Pay-As-You-Throw program, which is used to collect household trash and recyclable materials from homes. The fee increase to $180 is due to the town’s rising costs for tipping, transportation, and other services. However, the town said that the cost for the town’s […]
Posted inNews
Middletown Library offers Town Council candidate training
The Middletown Public Library has announced a new program that aims to equip first-time town council candidates with the skills and tools necessary to successfully run for office. The program, which is being offered in collaboration with Town Council Member Barbara VonVillas, will include a thorough introduction to municipal leadership and current issues facing the […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island’s Life Science Hub offers $10,000 grants
To bolster Rhode Island’s life sciences industry, the state is launching a $250,000 grant program to support academic and commercial research in the sector. The Rhode Island Life Science Hub announced the creation of the Small Grant Fund today, which will award grants of up to $10,000 to projects, initiatives, events, programs, and equipment that […]
Posted inNews
Rhode Island to receive $40.7 million for Behavioral Health Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that Rhode Island will receive $40.7 million over the next two years to improve access to behavioral and mental health services. The funding, which is part of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act passed by Congress last year, is aimed at increasing the number of Certified […]
Posted inNews
U.S. Naval War College hosts Cyber Innovation Workshop
The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) has hosted its third annual Cyber & Innovation Policy Institute’s (CIPI) Summer Workshop in Newport, R.I., bringing together academics, practitioners, and government officials to discuss opportunities in military innovation. The workshop will focus on the history of military cooperation on research and development and highlight barriers and opportunities for […]
Posted inNews
Middletown takes steps to protect environment
Efforts are underway to improve the quality of life for Middletown residents as the town takes steps to address potential environmental issues from a range of sources, including fertilizers and pesticides. The Town Council recently approved new voluntary policies aimed at reducing the harmful effects of chemicals on local waterways and beaches. The policies, known […]
Posted inThings To Do
Third floor of The Breakers to open to the public for the first time
For the first time in The Breakers’ 129-year history, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts will be open for public tours. The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour starts Monday, June 24, and will be offered daily at 3:30 p.m. This limited, guide-led tour will take you through private bedrooms, […]
Posted inNews
Pride Month proclaimed in Rhode Island
Rhode Island will always be a place where everyone can feel safe and respected. That’s the message from Gov. Dan McKee as he proclaimed June as Pride Month earlier today. “Rhode Island will always be a place where everyone is free to be who they are and love who they love,” McKee said in a […]
Posted inNews
Lynn Underwood Ceglie announces candidacy for reelection to Newport City Council; will run for Second Ward Councilor
Lynn Underwood Ceglie, who currently serves as Vice Chair and an At-Large Councilor on Newport City Council, today announced her intent to run for Second Ward Councilor on Newport City Council this November. Councilor Ceglie provided What’sUpNewp with the following announcement; Newport City Councilor, Lynn Underwood Ceglie announces that she will run in Newport’s 2nd […]
Posted inBusiness
BankRI awards $23,500 in grants to Aquidneck Island nonprofits
Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) has recently awarded $23,500 in grants to organizations on Aquidneck Island through its charitable support of nonprofits across the state. The grants will help fund programs for youth and adults across Newport County. The organizations to receive grants are Art Connection, Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, Dr. Martin Luther […]
Posted inThings To Do
South County Museum to hold 13th Annual Fourth of July Rhode Island Red Chick Hatch
South County Museum today announced that it will hold its 13th Annual Fourth of July Chick Hatch from 11 am to 2 pm on July 4, 2024, on the museum’s campus on the historic Canonchet Farm in Narragansett. This once-a-year event allows visitors to observe eggs hatching in the incubator, hold days-old baby chicks, and view the authentic, […]
Posted inNews
South County Distillers introduces two new canned cocktails just in time for summer
South County Distillers, the sister company of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, today announced the launch of two exciting new canned cocktails just in time for the summer season, a Watermelon Lime Ranch Water and Strawberry Lemonade. These refreshing libations are perfect for any occasion, whether lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or […]